Out Of Center Sleep Testing Of Sleep Apnea – Necessary Before Cpap Mask And Machine Are Prescribed

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When it is suspected that a person may have sleep apnea, a sleep test is generally prescribed which will confirm to the physician if the diagnosis is correct. If confirmed, the physician generally prescribes the most effective means for treatment, a CPAP machine and CPAP mask. Most sleep studies are done in a center dedicated to this procedure. However, homes sleep testing is also becoming quite popular.

This option is attractive to many people since trying to sleep in an unfamiliar bed for one night is difficult. Moreover, testing for sleep apnea in a sleep center can run into the thousands of dollars. That along with the rising cost of insurance deductibles makes home testing a good choice as a step toward getting the necessary CPAP equipment.

Home testing for sleep apnea is done with a kit that is shipped to you at a cost of less than $500. Although slightly different than the typically testing setup, the test captures many of the same attributes a typically sleep test measures. The unit is very convenient and easy to operate. Compared to sleep center testing, where you’re ...
... in a strange bed with wires hooked up to you, with the home kit you can do your test in comfort and familiar settings.

The unit is small and effectively measures your breathing, brain waves and pulse. Some units are designed to send the results of your sleep apnea test directly to your physician, allowing them to determine immediately if you are a candidate for CPAP therapy.

Prior to receiving a home test, a person must be evaluated by a physician, often by answering a Berlin questionnaire. The questions revolve around snoring, fatigue and tiredness, which, along with impaired alertness, are primary symptoms of sleep apnea. But these symptoms can also be present with other conditions, none of which would be helped by CPAP equipment. This is why it’s important to discuss closely what you’re experiencing and how your feeling with a doctor.

When a sleep test is ordered, you can obtain the portable unit from various sources including ordering online. The unit features a recording device, which will compile the data necessary to accurately diagnose sleep apnea. Contents of the package include a pulse oximeter (which is a sensor that fits over your finger to measure pulse and oxygen levels), a nasal canula and a strap that goes around your chest to hold the unit in place. The device will record breathing sounds, snoring and respiratory flow, which will quickly tell your physician if you require CPAP equipment.

Some units don’t relay sleep apnea test results directly to your physician but rather require you to ship the unit in a pre-paid envelope back to the supplier, who will have the results examined by a doctor. The doctor will then send the results to your own physician, who will determine if CPAP equipment should be ordered. Out of center sleep testing is a good alternative for some people. Ask your physician about the various choices and the pros and cons of this type of testing. He or she will be able to guide you to the best alternative so you can begin treating your sleep apnea condition with the proper CPAP equipment.

Chris Vasta is CEO of The CPAP Shop, a company dedicated to informing people about sleep apnea and providing the best CPAP equipment, including CPAP Masks and CPAP Machines, available to those who have been diagnosed with this disorder.